Planet Money The salvage car Silk Road
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Sep 8, 2022 A nearly new Lexus with a New Jersey inspection sticker mysteriously appears in Turkmenistan. The hosts dive into the bizarre economy of misfit cars and share the journey of a local mechanic uncovering its story. They explore the cultural and economic factors driving the demand for foreign vehicles and the complexities of auto auctions. Along the way, personal tales of lottery winners migrating to the U.S. add emotional depth, illustrating the interconnectedness of lives through the global car market.
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Car Trouble in Turkmenistan
- Scott Gurian's car broke down in Turkmenistan, leading him to meet Araz, an auto body shop worker.
- Araz, excited to meet his first English speaker, helped Gurian, sparking a lasting connection.
The Mysterious Lexus
- Araz sent Gurian a video of a new Lexus from New Jersey, sparking curiosity about its origins.
- Araz frequently receives damaged cars from the U.S., making the pristine Lexus unusual.
Turkmenistan's Car Market
- Magtim, a Turkmen businessman, buys damaged cars from international auction websites.
- He prefers white cars due to Turkmenistan's strict car regulations and seeks cars with minimal damage to save on import costs.